[video]

[scotch_egg]

[when he appears he looks more like an unmade bed than usual. His eyes are red rimmed and bloodshot. There's an obvious hotel room behind him and more than one empty bottle of something someone with a heart condition really shouldn't be drinking-- and it shows]

Congratulations,

You win. You've got it all. Magic, reincarnation, astral fucking projection for all I know. You don't really belong in this normal world, you're not just another bloody sheep, you're something better. Something more.

Good for you and I hope it doesn't blow up in your bloody face.

'Bye.

[and he hangs up. Or at least covers the phone with his hand which is the same thing]

Comments

[scotch_egg]

It wasn't you, it was Anthony. He's always like a storm wherever he goes.

[a sigh]

Trust me it's better this way.

[temptationaccomplished]

[It wasn't Anthony crying on your shoulder and telling you he wished it was you.]

Is it, though? Do you really believe that?

[scotch_egg]

[it was still because of Anthony that it had happened. And aren't you glad that wish never came true]

I really do.

[temptationaccomplished]

[That's a complicated statement with a complicated answer.]

[a sigh]

Right.
Well.
If you should need me...for anything... [he tries for a smile and there's a rise in his inflection, hopeful] just, ah, give me a ring on the phone? We could go for coffee, since, uh, cocoa was clearly not your thing. You needn't even say anything. Just, you know.

[scotch_egg]

It's fine.

[he wouldn't]

But just so you know, you're a good man, Fell.

... I appreciate it.

[because no matter what Anthony decided, he would be happy. And that sort of happiness was rare and absolutely priceless]

[temptationaccomplished]

And so are you, Alec. Very much so.

[He wants to say more and if the ooc delay on this tag is any indication, it was very hard for him to decide whether or not to say it: if it would be kinder or crueler to Alec to express how much he values having Alec in his life and does not want to lose that.]

[scotch_egg]

[he snorts at that. Not that he doesn't believe him, but there's a difference between good and effectual and he's never been very good at the latter.

Their relationship, though, such as it was-- He's not a good enough man to keep it going. There doesn't seem much point. But he is confident that over time it will cease to matter. Two people who looked at each other like that didn't need anyone else]

Good night, Fell.

[temptationaccomplished]

Good night, Alec. Mind how you go.